Kural #225
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Tamil text
ஆற்றுவார் ஆற்றல் பசிஆற்றல்
அப்பசியை மாற்றுவார் ஆற்றலின் பின்
Āṟṟuvār āṟṟal paciyāṟṟal
Apaciyai māṟṟuvār āṟṟaliṉ piṉ
English translation
The power of enduring hunger is great, but greater still is the power to remove another's hunger.
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Explanation
Self-discipline in fasting is admirable, but feeding the hungry is nobler. Helping others surpasses personal austerity.
விளக்கம்
பசியைத் தாங்குவது நல்லது. ஆனால், பிறர் பசியை நீக்குவது அதைவிட உயர்ந்தது. ஈகை அதிகாரத்தில், பிறருக்கு உதவுதலே சிறந்த அறம் என்பதை இது காட்டுகிறது. பிறர் துயர் துடைப்பதே உண்மையான வலிமை.
Word meanings
- ஆற்றுவார்āṟṟuvārthose who endure
- ஆற்றல்āṟṟalpower/ability
- பசிpacihunger
- ஆற்றல்āṟṟalenduring
- அப்பசியைappaciyaithat hunger
- மாற்றுவார்māṟṟuvārthose who remove
- பின்piṉafter/behind
Story behind this kural
In a small village nestled beside a parched riverbed lived two farmers, Arun and Bala. Arun, known for his self-control, would often fast, enduring hunger to prove his inner strength. He’d proudly declare his discipline to the villagers, showcasing his ability to withstand hardship. Bala, however, noticed the lean faces of children in the village. Their families struggled with the dry season, unable to find enough food. Bala, though his own stores were meager, would quietly share his harvest. He'd offer vegetables, a handful of rice, or even a comforting word. One day, a traveling sage arrived, observing the villagers. He saw Arun, gaunt but proud, and Bala, a little weary but content. The sage, after sharing a simple meal with Bala, remarked on the warmth in his heart. The sage then departed, leaving the villagers to ponder the true measure of strength.